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Community Heroes Series
From the June 2005 issue of Alabama Living magazine
Interview
by Kay Marshall
KM for TEC: What are your goals for 2005?
Jones: “As in most cities,
my primary goal will be to bring additional industry to our city.
We as a mayor and council are prepared to visit the necessary resources
in Montgomery and beyond, if necessary, to create the needed jobs
in our area. A newly organized Beautification committee has begun
work in a downtown revitalization plan, which when completed will
make the City of Vernon an attraction to those who live and work
here, as well as an incentive to entice prospective industry. Also,
the North-South Corridor is a great concern for our city. The reality
of this corridor will have a great impact on the economic future
of our area. The location of this Corridor is of great concern.”
KM for TEC: What goals do you have for Lamar County?
Jones: “One of the two
main goals for our county would be to locate an industry to fill
the vacant building that was once occupied by Chromalox. And secondly
an industrial park which is in the works just outside of Vernon.
Seeing these two possibilities come to fruition would be a tremendous
asset to Vernon and Lamar County. Working with the county is essential
for growth.”
KM for TEC: What, in your opinion, what is the greatest detriment
we have in Northwest Alabama?
Jones: “I believe that
the lack of infrastructure is our greatest detriment. We are in
an area that is surrounded by several large manufactures but we
lack the highways which allow access. Once again, the North-South
Corridor site is of great importance. If the most western location
is chosen, I believe great things will happen for Northwest Alabama.”
KM for TEC: What would be your solution for pulling ALL of the
communities within Northwest Alabama together to work towards the
task of job creation?
Jones: “We have in place
the West Alabama Economic Development Authority which covers Lamar,
Fayette and Pickens counties. This is a great tool for job search
and location in our area and one of our greatest hopes for job creation.
With the support of all counties and their communities I believe
we will see things happen. Working together in rural government
is a must.”
KM for TEC: What is Vernon's greatest assets?
Jones: "Our greatest assets
are the citizens Without a doubt – a community that is filled
with people who care. It’s a great place to live, work and
raise a family. We have a new Intermediate and High School which
everyone is proud of. When students have top facilities, good things
happen. In addition to that we have a School of Technology. This
facility is used by all three schools in Lamar County as well as
Fayette County. We have a medical facility four miles from Vernon
where outpatient surgery is performed on an almost daily basis.
A public airport seven miles away. We have a great summer program
for our youth at our City Park, a bowling alley for all ages, and
on Saturday nights the famous Backstreet Opry provides free entertainment
for all to enjoy. We are in the process of remodeling the former
Lamar County High School which will become the Vernon City Complex.
The facility will house the Police Department, City Hall, Library,
Art Gallery, City Museum, Senior Center and Auditorium. We have
the annual City Celebration the 4th weekend in April, plans for
a fall Scarecrow Festival, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and much
more. Simply put – we are a small town with a big heart.
”
Kay
Marshall is the Internet Projects Coordinator and Editor for TEC
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